Port of Seattle, Cingular, Raise the Bar on Wireless at Sea-Tac

-Cellular voice and computer Wi-Fi service upgraded throughout airport-

Busy travelers have calls to make and files to send, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is now the perfect place to do both.

The Port of Seattle has contracted with Cingular Wireless to provide upgraded cellular voice and computer Wi-Fi coverage at Sea-Tac. Cellular voice service will be available throughout the airport, including the subway system and airport garage. Wi-Fi service will be available everywhere except the subway and upper floors of the garage.

"Travelers will have flawless telephone and computer service starting the moment they get off their plane," said Mark Reis, managing director of aviation for the Port of Seattle. "In a technology-savvy community like Seattle, the airport needs to be a place where cell phones and computers work."

Previously, voice cellular at the airport was provided from towers located off airport property. Wi-Fi service was limited to only those places in the airport where travelers would be most likely to be using computers. Now, antennas have been installed throughout the airport to eliminate what had been dead spots.

"We've invested a significant amount of effort and resources at Sea-Tac in order to ensure that travelers receive strong signals for voice and data services, including Wi-Fi," said Mike Maxwell, Vice President and General Manager of Cingular Wireless - Pacific Northwest. "Whether you're walking through the airport or underground on the airport's subway system, customers can expect a high-level of service quality."

It takes a lot of wire to make an airport wireless. Cingular installed more than 18 miles of coaxial cable to the more than 200 antennas located throughout Sea-Tac.

The improved service is not limited to customers of Cingular. Other voice cellular companies are allowed to "buy into" the system under Cingular's contract with the Port. To date, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have taken advantage of the opportunity. Negotiations continue with other cellular providers.

For Wi-Fi users, any standard Wi-Fi-enabled computer will be able to access the airport system. Existing Cingular Wi-Fi subscribers will be able to use the system at no extra cost and in the same manner as they would in other Cingular-operated location. Those who are not currently Cingular users will be able to use a credit card and sign up for 24 hours of use for $9.95. Other purchase plans are available as well.

A free link to the Port of Seattle's web page will be provided on the Cingular "start-up" web page. Users will be able to view maps of the airport, access travel information, and learn about events at Sea-Tac without paying the $9.95 charge.

The airport expects to receive about $550,000 in annual revenue from the systems. The Port is also able to use the Wi-Fi portion for airport and tenant use. The Port remains the owner of the system, with Cingular operating it under contract.